Bios of Instructors, Presenters, and Class Descriptions 

 

REV. MICHAEL LATTIMORE

Senior Minister and Spiritual Director for Ahiah Center for Spiritual Living

Meditation 101 

Conscious Communication

Conscious Communication Trio Event

​​

BRIGITTE BENCHIMOL

Conscious Parenting

Brigitte is an award winning author, a photographer, a sound healer and an early childhood education expert. She was a director, owner, founder and a consultant for over 23 years. She is a progressive thought leader and a public speaker. 

Brigitte is passionate about education and neuroscience. She believes education must be hands-on, exciting, and filled with joy and discoveries.

She has advised hundreds of parents, children and teachers. She offers an empowerment parent program based on her practical pearls of advice book: Pearls for Parents’ Happiness - The Art of Parenting through Inner Love.

For the past 24 years she has operated 4 preschools in Southern California, which are still running successfully and served as a consultant to preschool owners and directors. 

Character education, emotional intelligence and choosing happiness were the pillars of her philosophy at Creative Mind Preschool in Hollywood, California, she founded in 2015 and sold in 2023. Creative Mind Preschool was nominated by several websites for 7 consecutive years as one of the Best Preschools in Los Angeles.

She has written 3 award winning children’s books as an educational program, an iPad application which are all part of the Award Winning series Jadyn and The Magic Bubble. The series covers the crucial topics of multiculturalism, diversity, peace and wildlife conservation. The books are entitled Discovering India, I Met Gandhi, and Kenya! Kenya!

Her books were adopted as part of the curriculum of the Boulder Valley School District as well as L.A. Head Start program. They are sold around the world.​​

​

MICHAEL COPELAND

Tao Tan Pai

Michael began his martial arts journey in 1990, training in Taoist and Buddhist kung fu, qigong, and meditation in the Tao Tan Pai lineage under Grandmasters Share K. Lew and Dr. Carl Totton. Teaching since 1996, he specializes in integration practices that cultivate health, strength, joy, and purpose through standing postures, coordination sets, qigong symbol-linking, and meditation. Founder of Kundala Institute, opening in Los Angeles in September 2025, Michael has taught and trained worldwide—including Nepal, Costa Rica, Thailand, Sweden, and Hawaii—and has been ordained as a Buddhist monk in the forest tradition. He is dedicated to guiding sincere students toward wholeness and personal transformation.

​

DONNA FLOOD

Using the Eclipse for New Beginnings-

www.unwrapyoursoul.com

Understanding WHO you are, acknowledging who you are and expressing your Innate Qualities is what gives you CLARITY, CONFIDENCE & HEIGHTENED INTUITION!  Truly “knowing” yourself is what gives you POWER!  Astrology is a wonderful tool, a cheat sheet really in Self-Discovery. I draw on my knowledge, education, and experience in health, psychology, Tarot Cards and Astrology to intuitively work with clients on their Spiritual journey towards an overall happier and healthier life.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Kinetics, a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology, I am a Certified Archetype Consultant with Caroline Myss( https://www.myss.com/profiles/donna-flood-ma/) and have spent the last 30 years studying & practicing Astrology throughout North America. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Understanding the Cycles of the Universe helps us to TRUST THE CYCLES.  2025 has been quite a year of Universal shifts, inviting us to Evolve!! September brings us 2 potent Eclipses, the Libra Equinox and other major Celestial forces. In Saturday’s class I will break down the Intention of these Eclipses, and where we are all being called to up-level. Working WITH this energy and embracing the support from the Equinox allows us to move into NEW BEGINNINGS with more Ease & Grace. Handouts will be provided.

​

CHRIS IAN GARLINGTON

Zenpal Cards

Zenpal™ Cards by Indigo Skylab is a fun, pocket-sized wellness game that empowers you to play throughout your day. Play with the messages on the cards and play card games you know and love. Zenpal™ Cards are great for games, meditation, inspiration, and philosophy. Your inner child will thank you. See more at ZenpalCards.com.  These cards belong on every desk in America.

chris@indigoskylab.com

https://indigoskylab.com/

310 579 5069

​

TROY GILBERT

Drum Circle

Troy de Trinidad leads transformative drum circles rooted in the sacred pulse of the human heartbeat. Blending rhythm, intention, and connection, his circles invite participants to align with themselves, each other, and the greater web of life.

As part of the Ahiah Center for Spiritual Living’s Wellness Fair, Troy will close the day with a powerful community drum circle—an uplifting experience of rhythm, unity, and remembrance. No experience is needed—just bring your open heart and join the beat.

​

DAVID GIESELMAN

Limitless Flow Breathwork 

Dave is a former chef who now works as a performance strategist, helping high achievers who are stretched thin and ready to build more capacity. With over 20 years of experience in leadership and personal development, he draws on

breathwork, neuroscience, and flow principles to help people regulate their nervous systems and escape the cycle of chronic stress. 

His approach is shaped by real experience in high-pressure environments and focuses on practical tools. People work with him when they’re ready for clear, grounded, lasting change. This is applied physiology for individuals who want to feel better and lead more effectively.

Limitless Flow Breathwork:

Limitless Flow is an innovative breathwork modality that expertly bridges the intersection of ancient practices, such as Qi Gong and Pranayama, with neuroscience and applied physiology. 

Experience the release of stress and anxiety of a Limitless Flow Breathwork session. Tap into your true potential as you experience powerful techniques designed to immerse you in Flow State.

This expertly guided session offers immediate relief and rejuvenation, and sets the building blocks for long-term well-being.

Join us to elevate your mind, energize your body, and embark on a journey towards achieving your true, limitless potential. Feel the change, be the change.

- Everyone welcome! - Perfect for first-timers!

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

What to expect:

- We will briefly introduce what we are doing and the techniques we will explore.

- Check-ins, questions/answers

- Active Breathwork ~50 min

- Meditation / Suspension

- Final check-in, experiences, questions/answers

*Avoid heavy meals 1-2 hrs before the session. (Breathwork with a full belly is not comfortable.)

Who Is This For?

This session is suitable for everyone but does require a basic level of health. Out of precaution, we advise against participation during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy. People with cardiovascular issues or other severe health conditions should consult a medical professional before starting breathwork.

​

CHRIS GLIK

Piano Meditation

Chris is Music Director at Ahiah Center for Spiritual Living in Pasadena, CA. He is a Los Angeles-based musician, pianist, vocalist, and composer known for performing and arranging music in various genres, including standards, jazz, classical, cocktail, and swing. He has performed internationally with groups like the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra and has released several albums, including Awakening and Tropical Jazz For The Soul. Chris also runs Glik Music, a music consultation and production studio, and offers virtual services for auditions and music preparation. Chris has performed with renowned artists such as Brook Benton, the Platters, and the Inkspots.

​

ELLEN GOULD-SILCOTT

Qi Gong 

For more than a decade, Ellen has shared the gentle yet powerful energy of Reiki as a certified Reiki Master. Two years ago, she discovered the ancient practice of Qigong — and it quickly became a daily source of healing and joy in her life. What began as personal exploration has blossomed into an 18-month journey of guiding a community of friends through daily online practice.

​

MARGO GRAVELLE

Connecting with Your Soul Through Collage 

Life in California began for me at age 40, with a new marriage, and a lot to learn about living on the West Coast. I discovered that I was accepted here, into the art community, much more easily and have made career changes and choices based on my heart- felt love of all art forms.

Working with local teachers, mentors, and beloved guides, I have been allowed to develop at my own pace. I have been teaching: painting, drawing, paper mache , and the revealing art of Soulcollage for the past 25 years. I work with children and creative spirits of all ages.

My Secret, keeping an open mind. Respect my own work, and be willing to teach anyone who is looking for the door to the abundant world of creative process.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Soulcollage process: Our desire to create is as old as time. Cuttings from Magazines, books, flyers, posters, newspapers will be available, and each participant will gather images that “speak to their Soul”.

Working with whatever you gather; cutting, layering, and placing them in your own style, the arrangements don’t

need to make “sense” to our objective mind. Not every image will be used, when you are satisfied with the

arrangement, you will glue the images to a 5x8 card. You will then be asked to write something on the back of the

Soul card that expresses a deeper meaning for you, only a few sentences are needed. We strive to be truthful, the

more we discover in Soulcollage the lighter our “Soul” will feel and it will be refreshed.

​

VASUNDHARA GUGGELLA 

Heartfulness Meditation

Vasu is a Heartfulness Meditation practitioner who finds joy in nurturing inner peace and sharing it with others. By profession, she works as a software engineer, where curiosity and problem-solving meet creativity. Outside of work, meditation has become a guiding practice, helping Vasu bring balance, and positivity into everyday life. With a passion for both technology and well-being, Vasu enjoys inspiring others to explore simple practices that lead to a calmer and more fulfilling way of living.
Contact: Vasundhara.Guggella@heartfulvolunteer.org

Website: www.heartfulnessinstitute.org

​​​

ELIZABETH HANGAN

Song Circle

Elizabeth is professional musician and music educator who mainly performs  and  teaches around Southern California.

In 2023 Elizabeth , attended a circle singing event  at her church, and realized that She wanted to be able to share this experience with others  so  she attended a Circle singing training session in San Francisco, offered by Bobby Mc Ferrin, and now holds her own Circle singing events whenever possible .

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Circle singing offers a safe and welcoming space to use your voice. No singing experience is necessary , just an open mind and heart. This is a guided vocal experience that is a lot of fun and very uplifting.

​

REV. JEANNE HOFFMAN

I've Got Your Number

Rev. Jeanne Hoffman is a retired ordained minister of Religious Science. An Anamcara Apprenticeship graduate, she studied the art of spiritual discernment using the Enneagram, with Richard Groves. A retired hospice chaplain, Jeanne was also involved in the NODA program at Los Robles Hospital. Her interests include Eastern philosophies, poetry (writing and reading), gardening, dancing, and anything that has a creative property.

Rev. Jeanne is a workshop facilitator, not only on the Enneagram, but pastoral caregiving, silent retreats, meditation (including Karma Yoga), and creative writing. Crone Wisdom is a newer area of interest. Workshop Title: “ I’ve got your number”: An Introduction to the ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

The Enneagram has 9 main points placed on a circle that represent personality types. Sometimes we call it “the 9 FACES of GOD”. Each of us has an inner life that we may be reticent to share, and an outer behavior that everyone sees and usually judges. The Enneagram shows us ways to align the inner with the outer, which allows us to be more authentic and communicate more kindly and clearly. This is not a parlor game to type and judge others, it is a tool to help us speak and listen more deeply, beginning with ourselves.

 Free online test: eclecticenergies.com

​

DR. ERIN LIGHTFOOT

Grounded & Glowing: The Empath’s Guide to INNERstanding 

Dr. Erin Lightfoot is a Holistic Wellness & Attachment Guide who helps anxiety-prone helpers, healers, empaths, and energetically sensitive people learn how to get out of their head and into their body - so they can become securely attached, emotionally regulated, and relationally effective leaders. She holds a PhD in Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, and Relational Leadership, and is certified in breathwork, integrated attachment theory, health & nutrition, and yoga instruction.

Blending science with spiritual wisdom, Dr. Erin’s work draws on metaphysical teachings and the Science of Mind philosophy to help others strengthen their intuition, rebuild self-trust, and reconnect with the wisdom of their soul - by first strengthening the most important relationship of all: the one you have with your *Self*

Certified: Breathwork Coach | IIN Health Coach | Attachment Theory Relationship Coach | Yoga Instructor https://lightfootselfandsoul.com/

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

PRESENTATION & HEALING INTENTION

Anxiety lives in the mind but is felt in the body. In this soul-centered session for empaths, healers & sensitive leaders, Dr. Erin Lightfoot unpacks the root cause of anxiety: unresolved attachment wounds.

Because when you learn to get into your body - mentally, emotionally, physically & spiritually - you begin to recondition old attachment patterns, regulate your emotions, protect your energy, and reconnect with your intuition.

As a relational being, your healing doesn’t come from bypassing or numbing - it comes from INNERstanding. And emotional regulation is more than just mental health ...it’s spiritual practice.

This is your SOULution to healing anxiety, becoming securely attached, and leading from your highest, most aligned *Self*​

​

FELIPE OLIVER 

Using Horary Astrology to Answer Questions

Felipe's journey into traditional astrology began after eighteen years of inner work in a Fourth Way spiritual school following the Gurdjieff-Ouspensky tradition, which he started in his early twenties. This experience gave him access to psychological systems connected to traditional astrology and strengthened his interest in healing approaches for both body and mind. His astrological education began in 2005 when he discovered the book "The Real Astrology" by John Frawley, one of the greatest living masters of traditional astrology. Felipe later became a trained horary astrologer, receiving the diploma of Horary Craftsman from John Frawley himself. In 2012, Felipe began studying medical astrology with Oscar Hofman, also a John Frawley graduate, after a transformative medical astrology reading that explained his ailments and redirected his approach to astrology. Felipe values astrology's ability to help people become more aware and experience less unnecessary suffering by shedding light on obscure forces in their inner and outer lives. His expertise covers horary astrology, medical astrology, and psychological, metaphysical, and spiritual applications.

Having worked through his own psychological challenges to reach what he calls "Peace of Spirit," Oliveira now shares insights from this journey with others seeking similar transformation. This personal experience informs his holistic approach to traditional astrological techniques. Oliveira is a published author currently finalizing two books on traditional astrology— one focusing on medical horary and another on mundane horary. He lectures and teaches courses to students across five continents. As a practitioner he offers personalized horary astrology consultations designed to guide his clients through life's critical decisions. 

More information about all aspects of Felipe Oliveira's work can be found at https://felipeoliveira.com.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

The lost art of horary astrology applied to health matters of the body and mind.

​

LORA ANDERSON PAVILACK

Connect to Your Body with Pilates 

Lora Pavilack is a passionate movement educator specializing in Pilates and Gyrokinesis®. With years of experience helping clients build strength, flexibility, and body awareness, she blends precision with flow to create uplifting, transformative sessions. Whether guiding a group class or working one-on-one, Lora’s goal is to help every student move with greater ease, alignment, and joy.

https://pilatesstudiocity.com/founders-bio/

PilatesStudioCity.com

Pain-Free Posture Handbook Co-Author: On Amazon http://tinyurl.com/zbwhq9c 

Instagram @pscpilates 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PilatesStudioCity?mibextid=wwXIfr

​​

LAKE PAYNE

The Power of a Healing Shower

A small but mighty power, Lake Payne is a licensed practitioner at Ahiah Center for Spiritual Living and co founder of The Healing Shower. She was "chosen" as a rising practitioner where she had the opportunity to deliver a profound message during her graduation from practitioner studies. Lake also facilitates forgiveness and visioning workshops helping people discover their true God-like spirit.    

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Curious about the healing process? This class explores spiritual  healing through incorporating friends, family, and a spiritual advisor. You will learn the importance of removing trauma and who truly benefits from healing showers. We will also explore what healing really looks like and how it varies based on the individual.

Turning Dreams into Realty
626-786-1673

​

BAILEE RAD

Eating Healthy on a Budget/Using Food as Medicine

Bailee is a mindset coach and certified hypnotherapist dedicated to helping athletes and individuals unlock their full potential. With a focus on confidence, mindset, and holistic health, Bailee empowers clients to break through mental blocks and perform at their highest level—on and off the field.

Specializing in helping athletes who struggle to consistently play at their peak, Bailee guides them to reconnect with their inner power and build the mental resilience needed for elite performance. Beyond sports, she supports anyone ready to bring their goals to life by shifting mindset, nourishing the body, and reconnecting with nature.

Bailee believes that what we feed our mind and body deeply impacts our energy, focus, and overall well-being. Her work emphasizes the connection between mindset and physical health—because true transformation starts from within and is sustained by how we care for ourselves every day. ​https://baileerad.com/

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

In today’s fast-paced world, preparing healthy, unprocessed meals can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this practical and inspiring session, Bailee will share how cooking and eating well can be simple, affordable, and even enjoyable. You’ll learn easy, budget-friendly strategies to nourish your body, save time, and support your highest self—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, this class will leave you empowered to take small, sustainable steps toward better health and more energy.​

​​

REVEREND VERONICA SILVA

Rev. Veronica is the Senior Minister at Pacific Coast Center for Spiritual Living. She became a licensed Science of Mind Practitioner in 2003 and was licensed as a Minister with Centers for Spiritual Living in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned in 2007, and a Master's Degree in Spiritual Consciousness, completed in 2020.

​​

TAYLOR URIBE

Make Your Own Sourdough 

Taylor is a farm-to-table educator and advocate for nutrient-dense, ancestral eating. With a passion for regenerative food systems and gut health, she teaches families and communities how to reconnect with traditional food practices for lifelong wellness. Inspired  by her own journey of healing through food, Taylor brings both science and soul to every class, empowering those to make real, whole food a part of their daily lives.

CLASS DESCRIPTION: 

Taylor for a hands-on sourdough workshop that goes beyond baking — this is bread with purpose. You’ll learn how to maintain a healthy sourdough starter, master the fermentation process, and bake a beautiful, nourishing loaf from scratch. Along the way, we’ll dive into the nutritional science behind sourdough: how fermentation transforms grains, improves digestibility, supports gut health, and helps unlock minerals. Whether you’re a total beginner or a curious baker, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to bring this age-old craft into your kitchen and bellies.

What You’ll Learn: 

How to start and care for a sourdough starter
The science of fermentation and its impact on nutrition
Step-by-step bread-making techniques
How to incorporate sourdough into your routine

​

DOROTHY WATERMAN

Tai Chi - Ba Fa Wu Bu 

As a Professional Fitness Trainer for 34 years, I constantly seek new ways to help my clients engage in their wellness and fitness.  I have always enjoyed dancing and fitness activities since as long as I can remember.   From Iron Man Triathlon to Tae Kwon Do, I have done it all. I learned Tai Chi from a wonderful instructor named Pam Dong.   Her teacher was a monk!   She stressed perfection of movement and cultivating Qi (chi)  in our sessions and in life.  I really enjoyed it! I currently teach Tai Chi to a long time client who enjoys this in her beautiful back yard,

Title of class:

Ba Fa Wu Bu

8 Energies, 5 Directions

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This 35 minute course will introduce the lovely flow and healing qualities of basic Tai Chi.  Moving slowly from our energy center (Dan Tien) is a beautiful way to de-stress and bring inner calm to body and soul. Some who wish to may do the form in their chairs

​​

BOOTHS/PATIO: 

​​

STEFFI BUFFINGTON

Tarot: 

Steffi Is a long time student of Western Mystery traditions and the Kabalist Tarot school of Paul Foster Case and A.E. Waite. Steffi is also gifted in the art of Tarot divination or Divine Interpretation of the cards . She has spent several decades helping her clients gain insight to possible futures and shedding light on desired outcomes. Come and see what message the cards told for you. Steffi has read at the Renn Faires for years and also has several celebrity clients

Drum Circle: 

Steffi is  also a certified Village Music drum circle facilitator and Remo artist. She is a founder of the Agape Drum Ministry and the Sacred Rhythm Lodge where she has conducted community circles and ceremonies for over 2 decades. Using the Affirmative Prayer Steps of Ernest Holmes as the basis  of her “Rhythmic Prayer” approach and “Affirmative Mantra Beats” she facilitates beginners and professional percussionist alike into the joyous vortex of unifying rhythms.

studiosteffi@yahoo.com

​

CORDELIA HANNA

Doula support & Midwifery

Our mission is to increase awareness, access, and availability of professional Doula support and Midwifery. We aim to promote evidence-based, respectful maternity care for all childbearing persons. We believe by training more Doulas and Midwives from communities experiencing social inequities and discrimination, we can address persistent ethnic disparities in birth outcomes.  Doing so will help America achieve public health objectives for maternal and infant health. We strive to engender a more equitable healthcare system for all childbearing persons and their infant.

323-631-7990

cordeliahanna61@gmail.com

1334 W. Foothill Blvd. Apt. #18G Upland, CA 91786

https://cordelia-hanna-cheruiyot.yolasite.com/

​

ARTURO JIMENEZ

Aharo Designs Apparel Clothing

Aharo Designs is a spiritually inspired apparel brand that shares conscious messages with integrity, supports local businesses, and creates clothing from 100% organic materials.  We offer training and certification programs for Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and  Community Doulas and provide continuing education and networking opportunities for health, social service, and mental health professionals.

​​​​

LATA

LataLove Collection (Instagram)

A Nepalese, yoga, boho, and spiritually inspired traveling boutique. Shop online or on Facebook, where you can follow us to keep up with new events!

​

LORENZO MENDOZA

Massage

Lorenzo Mendoza- licensed Massage-Therapist dedicated to promoting health and well-being through the power therapeutic touch. Having worked with both a physical therapist and a traditional healer specializing in musculoskeletal care, I have combined their methods to implement a range of techniques that have benefited my clients for years. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I’m always excited to learn and explore new frontiers that enhance the tools and techniques of an exceptional massage therapist.

 

MONIQUE MARIE

The Yoga Closet

YOUR new happy place for all things yoga! From comfy wraps and shawls to stylish yoga bags! We've curated the best gear for your practice - and personality. Elevate your practice with our high-quality yoga bags, fashion and relaxing props.

Moni@thefreespirityogi.com

424-341-5059

www.thefreespirityogi.com

​

STEPHEN PORTILLO

Portillo Holistic - Holistic chiropractor

Dr. Portillo is a holistic chiropractor and medical intuitive. At Portillo Holistic, we will identify the true cause of your health issues by tapping into your energy to correct misalignments, release energy blocks, and harmonize your energy fields to correct these issues.

4. Point of Contact: Portillo Holistic (office)

Phone: 626-345-5341

Email: info@portilloholistic.com

https://portilloholistic.com/

​

ANNELISA VALLERY

Certified Holistic Full-Spectrum Doula

annelisavallery@gmail.com

Theta (Ancestral) Healing

​

ALINA ZHUKOVSKAYA

Alina is an award-winning, Board-Certified Health Coach, Chopra Life Coach, Detox Specialist, and former chef named creator of the #1 Best Diet in America by Harper’s Bazaar. She also holds a degree from Parsons School of Design and a Master's in Communication, blending style, soul, and science into one transformational experience.

Through her signature Wholistic Self-Discovery Coaching Program, Alina helps high-achieving women reconnect with their true purpose by transforming how they eat, dress, and live.

Her philosophy? When you eat to nourish your soul and dress to express your truth, you shift your inner state — and from that space, everything changes. Peace returns. Confidence rises. Sparkle comes back.

Alina’s mission is to help women become the version of themselves they dreamed of at 8 years old — radiant, powerful, and fully aligned